No abstract available. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Genetics / unrestricted

This is a study of transcriptional gene regulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) in response to Russian wheat aphid (RWA) (Diuraphis noxia, Kurdjumov) infestation. The Russian wheat aphid feeds on the phloem sap in the leaves of wheat plants, and causes the leaves of susceptible wheat plants to curl. This forms a protective barrier for the RWA from insecticides and natural enemies. Chlorosis also results from the RWA feeding. In cases of high infestation, death of susceptible plants can also occur. Eleven wheat genes that confer resistance to the Russian wheat aphid have been identified, but their mechanism at molecular level is still not clearly understood. Wheat near-isogenic lines (NILs) were used in a genome-wide, transcriptome analysis using cDNA-AFLP technology. RWA-resistant cultivar ‘Tugela DN’ and RWA-susceptible cultivar ‘Tugela’ were infested with the RWA and leaves were collected from the infested plants at different (0-, 1-, 2-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 48- and 120-) hours post infestation. cDNA samples derived from these leaves was then analyzed by cDNA-AFLP which revealed 18 clusters of differential gene regulation between the two NILs. The results of this experiment show that differential regulation of transcripts occur even within the first hour of infestation. All types of regulation were observed within the clusters. Differentially expressed transcript derived fragments (TDFs) that were randomly isolated from PAGE gels and sequenced (41 TDFs) included sequences in the functional groups similar to those observed in the microarray analysis. The functional categories are cell structure and maintenance [protein synthesis (14%), chaperone (2%), protein degradation (2%), transcription factor (5%)]; photosynthesis [sugar metabolism (5%), carbohydrate metabolism (2%), energy related (7%)]; defenserelated [signaling (7%), defense-related (10%)] while the rest did not have any significant homology to any known or characterized proteins. Previous suppressive subtractive hybridization experiments identified transcripts that are differentially expressed in wheat in response to RWA feeding. More transcripts were identified by PCR from cDNA pools derived from RWA-infested plants as having conserved motifs common in pathenogenesis related proteins. The isolated transcripts were used to generate a defense response-biased microarray chip that was used to investigate the regulation of these transcripts during infestation of RWA resistant wheat plants (‘Tugela DN’) in a time trial. Dual hybridization of CyDye labeled probes derived from the induced ‘Tugela DN’ plants to the microarray chips revealed differential regulation of the immobilized transcripts in wheat, at different time points post infestation with the RWA. Statistical analysis of the CyDye intensities on the 380 spots mounted on the cDNA microarray slides showed 29 transcripts to be significantly regulated (P≤0.05) during the time of the experiment. These included ESTs that were grouped into four functional categories, namely cell structure and maintenance (9 ESTs); photosynthesis (8 ESTs); defense-related (4 ESTs) and those with no significant homology found or proteins with unknown function (8 ESTs). Patterns of regulation of these transcripts in all of the functional categories included all types of regulation e.g. mainly down-regulation, mainly up-regulation, and a combination of up-/up-/down-regulation in response to RWA feeding. In conclusion, data obtained utilizing cDNA microarray and cDNA-AFLP analyses in infested wheat suggest that the ability to maintain structures involved in photosynthesis by regulating the relevant transcripts through-out infestation is an important determinant in plant survival during RWA feeding. The timing of regulation is also important as some of the transcripts are also regulated in RWA susceptible ‘Tugela’ plants but not in a timely manner which leads to loss of energy and subsequent death of susceptible plants. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Genetics / unrestricted

The Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia, RWA), is a serious pest in most wheat producing countries around the world. Infestation of wheat fields by this pest has a severe economic impact, as a result of heavy losses in crop yield. Because of the importance of wheat as a food source and its ever growing supply demand, the study of wheat-Russian wheat aphid interactions on the molecular level are integral to the development of management strategies. This is highlighted by the fact that new RWA biotypes that overcome resistance in a number of wheat varieties, continually emerge. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to this endeavour, by elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which the RWA resistance gene Dn7 confers resistance to three different RWA biotypes (one from SA, and two from the USA). Firstly, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was applied in order to isolate transcripts differentially expressed in the RWA resistant wheat line, 94M370, carrying the Dn7 gene. There are two main advantages to this technique. One is that the relative representation of rare transcripts is increased in the subsequent cDNA population, and it is these low abundance transcripts that are arguably the ones of particular interest. Secondly, this method allows for the isolation of unknown transcripts, without the need for existing sequence information. Experiments with this method however, failed, leading to an investigation as to probable causes. The various steps involved in the SSH procedure were individually assessed in an attempt to identify and correct the problem. Various adjustments were made to PCR procedures, template enzyme digestions and ligation reactions, without success. After creating a basic cDNA-AFLP fingerprint from the existing cDNA template, in order to confirm that the template is not responsible for experimental difficulties – it was decided to apply a different strategy in order to meet research objectives. Consequently, the study on Dn7 mediated defence responses was continued with cDNA-AFLP. In addition to studying the response by Dn7 to South African biotype RWA infestation, its responses to infestation by two United States RWA biotypes was also explored. This allowed us to gain a greater comprehension of the methods by which Dn7 activates defences against different aphid eliciting agents. Findings suggest that this gene activates responses that are unique to each of the different aphid interactions. Although the interactions between Dn7 and the two US biotypes were very similar, this can possibly be explained by the fact that the differences between these two biotypes on molecular level are minuscule. Dn7 responds to the South African biotype of the RWA in a completely different manner, as judged by the very dissimilar expression patterns obtained during cDNA-AFLP analysis. Reasons for this phenomenon could include molecular differences between the South African and US RWA biotypes, differences in response generating elicitor molecules (which has indeed been shown to be the case between South African and US aphid biotypes), or a combination of both. The sequencing of fragments displaying differential expression patterns during cDNA-AFLP fingerprinting, provides us with additional information as to the exact mechanisms potentially involved. As expected, various compounds related to plant defence were identified, such as a number of Leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain containing proteins, genes related to cell signalling and genes involved in protein processing (proteases, peptidases). Finally, these results are consistent with theories that Dn7 may recognise and interact with its distinct aphid elicitors either directly, by the presence of multiple bindings sites on the same protein, or indirectly. In that case, in accordance with the guard hypothesis, Dn7 may simply monitor interactions between aphid elicitors and other recognition factors- after which a response cascade is activated. Useful potential research would focus on Dn7 itself, including mapping, isolation as well as structural and functional characterization. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Genetics / unrestricted

Les derniers scénarios du changement climatique, prévoient une élévation de température (Europe, +2 à +4°C en moyenne en 2099, IPCC, 2007) associée à des épisodes extrêmes, sécheresses sévères par exemple. Connaître les potentialités d'adaptation des espèces forestières s'avère crucial afin de comprendre leurs réponses et le devenir des écosystèmes forestiers, dans un futur proche. Dans ce cadre, nous nous sommes intéressés à un complexe d'espèces du genre Fraxinus, (frêne, Oléacées). En France F. excelsior L., et F. angustifolia, Vahl, sont des espèces autochtones présentant une plasticité phénotypique et écologique remarquable. L'hybridation, suspectée depuis longtemps a été prouvée en conditions contrôlées et naturelles. Les principales zones documentées sont la vallée de la Saône et de la Loire. Cette hybridation entre les deux espèces de frênes européens, pourrait favoriser l'apparition d'individus (génotypes) plus aptes que les espèces parentales à faire face à un environnement changeant. Notre objectif est de caractériser les potentialités d'adaptations de différentes populations de frêne (espèces parentales et de statut hybride) sous une contrainte abiotique (contrainte hydrique). Pour répondre à cet objectif, nous avons testé les réponses à la fois écophysiologiques et génétique de jeunes plants à une contrainte légère (-0,9 MPa). Une seconde expérimentation, centré sur l'écophysiologie a eu pour objet de mesurer la perte de conductivité hydraulique des frênes, sous une forte contrainte (-4 MPa). Le principal résultat de ces travaux est le comportement souvent intermédiaire et très variable des populations de frênes hybrides testés dans ces 2 expérimentations (A, gs, WUEi, PLC), que ce soit en conditions avec ou sans contrainte hydrique. Ce comportement intermédiaire est en lien avec le degré d'introgression respectif des hybrides de frênes (plus proche de F.excelsior ou de F.angustifolia). Ces arbres hybrides pourraient servir de ressources et d'assurance contre des évènements de dépérissement catastrophiques pour les forestiers pour un environnement climatique futur. / The latest climate change scenarios predict a rise in mean temperature in Europe of 2 to 4°C for 2099 (IPCC, 2007), associated with extreme climatic events such as severe droughts. Knowing adaptation capabilities of tree species is crucial for understanding their responses and forest ecosystem fate in the near future. Our study object is a species complex inside the Fraxinus genus (ash, Oleaceae). In France, F. excelsior and F. angustifolia are autochthonous, form natural hybrid populations and show remarkable phenotypic and ecological plasticity. This could promote the emergence of new individuals (genotypes) more able to deal with fluctuating environments. Our objective is to characterise the capability of adaptation of different Fraxinus populations, representing the three statuses (F.excelsior, F.angustifolia and hybrids) under abiotic constraints (water constraint). To solve this issue, we examine in a low water constraint experiment (-0.9 MPa) ecophysiological and genetic response, using saplings. A second and more severe water constraint experiment (-4 MPa) was used to investigate ash response to the loss of hydraulic conductivity. The most noticeable result was an intermediate and highly variable behaviour of hybrid ash populations in the two experiments (A, gs, WUEi, PLC) linked with they respective introgression degree (closer to F.excelsior or F.angustifolia). This hybrid trees could be used for foresters as a resource and insurance against catastrophic forest stand decline, for a future climate.

No description available.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:44:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_liliane_mertz.pdf: 5055852 bytes, checksum: b6922bc49af5dfa5f81f10ad3f997443 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-03-22 / Some works have reported the existence of contrasting soybean genotypes for physiological quality of seeds. There are such differences because of the presence of seeds with total or partial impermeability for water absorption into the coat that make them less susceptible to mechanical damages, weather adversities, deterioration by humidity and pathogen occurrence. The characteristic of semi-permeable coat can be used in programs of soybean crop breeding to be incorporated in genotypes of high production, aiming at the physiologic quality of the seed. The objectives of this study were: Identify structural differences among the coat of the genotypes CD-202 (permeable) and TP (semi-permeable); obtain fragments of genes distinguishingly expressed among the coat of those genotypes; characterize the physiological quality of soybean seeds produced. Morphologic characterization of the coats was carried out by optic microscope BX 51 with increase of 40x. In order to obtain the fragments of genes distinguishingly expressed among the coats of the two genotypes, the technique cDNA AFLP was used. The physiological quality of the seeds was obtained by germination tests and vigour (accelerated ageing and electrical conductivity). Besides, structural differences were observed among the coats of the two genotypes, however, the genotype TP presented higher thickness in the layers of the epidermis and hypodermis of the coat in relation to the genotype CD 202, beside differences in the format and organization of the cells. Regarding the molecular genetic studies, 47 fragments distinguishingly expressed in the coats in the formation of genotypes CD - 202 and TP, were identified. In agreement with the results, soybean seeds with semi-permeable coat presented better physiological quality in relation to the seeds with permeable coat. / Alguns trabalhos têm evidenciado a existência de genótipos de soja contrastantes para qualidade fisiológica de semente. Tais diferenças podem existir em virtude da presença de sementes com total ou parcial impermeabilidade à penetração de água no tegumento, o que as tornam menos susceptíveis aos danos mecânicos, as adversidades climáticas e a deterioração por umidade. A característica de tegumento semi-permeável pode ser utilizada nos programas de melhoramento de soja para ser incorporada às cultivares de alta produção visando à qualidade fisiológica da semente. Diante do exposto, os objetivos desse estudo foram: identificar diferenças estruturais entre os tegumentos de sementes de soja dos genótipos CD-202 (tegumento permeável) e TP (tegumento semi-permeável); obter fragmentos de genes diferencialmente expressos entre os tegumentos dos dois genótipos; avaliar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes produzidas. A caracterização morfológica dos tegumentos foi realizada através de avaliações em microscópio ótico BX 51 com aumento de 40x. Para obtenção dos fragmentos de genes diferencialmente expressos entre os tegumentos dos dois genótipos, utilizou-se a técnica cDNA AFLP. A avaliação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes foi através dos testes de germinação e vigor (condutividade elétrica e envelhecimento acelerado). Na avaliação morfológica, foram observadas diferenças estruturais entre os tegumentos de semente dos dois genótipos, sendo que, os tegumentos do genótipo TP, apresentaram maior espessura nas camadas da epiderme e hipoderme, além de outras diferenças no formato e organização das células. Com relação aos estudos genéticos moleculares, foram identificados 47 fragmentos de genes diferencialmente expressos entre os tegumentos dos dois genótipos. Na avaliação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes, o genótipo TP apresentou qualidade fisiológica superior em relação ao genótipo CD-202.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:44:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_democrito_amorim_chiesa_freitas.pdf: 404655 bytes, checksum: c873f95da6df2da75ff9fd90ecb3dc2b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-03-25 / The need to widen the seeding window of irrigated rice cultivars capable of germinating and producing normal seedlings under low soil temperatures led to the execution of this work, at the laboratory of the Plant Science Department from the Faculty of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel , Federal University of Pelotas and greenhouses at Embrapa s Temperate Climate (CPACT - Pelotas/RS) and Rice & Bean (CNPAF - Goiânia/GO) Experimental Stations. The experimental work focused on the identification of irrigated rice genotypes from an F2 generation tolerant to low soil temperatures at the germination and emergence stages, through the selection of cDNA fragments differentially expressed as the result to low temperature exposure during the germination phase. The procedure consisted of three stages; First stage involved selection, through physiological traits associated to genotype tolerance and sensitivity to germination onset and emergence under low temperature, among the 104 genotypes tested. The Second stage focused on the screening for variability for low temperature tolerance trait among the F2 progeny of a dialellic set of crossings, while the Third stage related to differentially expressed cDNA fragment selection, among embryos from low temperature tolerant and sensitive genotypes. Main results are as follows; a) A large variability for traits expressing tolerance to germination and emergence under low temperatures was determined among the genotypes tested, with BRS Atalanta, LTB 06002, LTB 06012 and LTB 06020 genotypes exhibiting superior germination values, whereas genotypes LTB 06014, Nourim Mochi and Oro exhibited higher emergence values. b) The rice genotypes with high germination values under low temperature conditions did not show the same trend during the emergence stage. c) The cDNA/AFLP technique proved effective in producing and identifying rice gene fragments differentially expressed, under ambient conditions of low temperature during germination. d) Four polymorphic fragments were identified for genotype BRS Firmeza at a temperature of 13°C, thus indicating that four genes were expressed under this condition. / Buscando ampliar a janela de semeadura, com cultivares de arroz irrigado que germinem e desenvolvam plântulas normais em baixa temperatura de solo, realizou-se este trabalho nos laboratórios do Departamento de Fitotecnia da Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel da Universidade Federal de Pelotas e nas casas de vegetação da Embrapa Clima Temperado - CPACT (Pelotas/RS) e Embrapa Arroz e Feijão CNPAF (Goiânia/GO). O estudo objetivou identificar genótipos de arroz irrigado tolerantes a baixa temperatura, nos estádios de germinação e emergência, o caráter germinação no frio, na população F2 e selecionar fragmentos de cDNA diferencialmente expressos no frio na germinação. O trabalho foi dividido em três etapas: Primeira etapa, seleção fisiológica, dos genótipos tolerantes e sensíveis ao frio na germinação e na emergência, entre os 104 genótipos estudados, em temperaturas previamente selecionadas; Segunda etapa, observação da existência de variação, na descendência dos cruzamentos dialélicos, para a tolerância ao frio na população F2 , em relação aos pais; Terceira etapa, seleção dos fragmentos de cDNA diferencialmente expressos, entre os embriões de genótipos tolerante e sensível ao estresse abiótico do frio. a) Há variabilidade, no arroz irrigado, quanto à tolerância à baixa temperatura no estádio de germinação e emergência, destacando-se na germinação o BRS Atalanta, LTB 06002, LTB 06012 e LTB 06020, na emergência o LTB 06014, Nourim Mochi e Oro. b) Os genótipos que apresentaram melhor germinação, em baixa temperatura, não mantiveram a superioridade na emergência. c) A técnica de cDNA/AFLP é eficiente para produzir e identificar fragmentos de genes diferencialmente expressos, em genótipos de arroz irrigado durante a germinação, sob estresse de baixas temperaturas. d) No genótipo BRS Firmeza, foram identificados quatro fragmentos polimórficos na temperatura à 13ºC, indicando que quatro genes se expressaram nesta temperatura.

La conductivité hydraulique foliaire (KF) est une composante majeure du transport d’eau dans toute la plante. Dans les feuilles de noyer, la KF est stimulée à la lumière et est étroitement liée à l’accroissement du taux des transcrits d’aquaporines JrPIP2s. Par ailleurs, la corrélation entre la stimulation de la KF et des transcrits d’aquaporines à la lumière, n’est pas générale et dépend de l’espèce. Ici, nous étudions cette corrélation chez cinq espèces forestières (Juglans regia, Fagus sylvitica, Quercus robur, Salix alba et Populus tremula) différant par leur réponse à la lumière. Nous démontrons seulement chez le noyer (Juglans regia), la contribution des deux familles d’aquaporines PIP1s et PIP2s. Afin de mieux comprendre le rôle des JrPIP1s et JrPIP2 dans la réponse à la lumière, nous avons isolé 8 nouvelles isoformes dans les feuilles de noyer et nous avons étudié leurs profils d’expression sur une cinétique lumière. Toutes les isoformes étudiées sont accumulées à la lumière et réprimées à l’obscurité. De plus, la KF est dépendante de la qualité de lumière. Elle est réduite de 65% en absence de lumière bleue. Cette diminution serait liée à l’inhibition des transcrits d’aquaporines. Afin de caractériser les mécanismes moléculaires précoces impliqués dans la modulation de KF par la lumière, l’approche globale cDNA-AFLP a été menée sur des feuilles de noyer sous différentes conditions d’éclairement. Nous obtenons 12000 transcrits différentiels dérivés (TDFs) générés par les 128 couples d’amorces. Parmi les 187 séquences obtenues, 93 d’entre elles ont une fonction putative. Leur classification fonctionnelle montre que les gènes relatifs à la régulation cellulaire représentent environ 58% des TDFs identifiés. Les feuilles exposées à la lumière, montrent des changements dans les voies de : signalisation calcique, protéolyse, trafic vésiculaire et l’expression de divers facteurs de transcription et protéines de régulation. Pour mieux comprendre le rôle potentiel de la signalisation calcique dans la modulation de la KF par la lumière, nous avons étudié l’effet d’un inhibiteur des canaux calciques [LaCl3] et d’un antagoniste de calmoduline [W7] sur la KF et les transcrits des 10 JrPIPs. Comparées aux feuilles témoins, les inhibiteurs calciques provoquent une réduction de la KF et de la majorité des JrPIPs étudiées à la lumière. Nos résultats confirment l’implication du complexe Ca2+ /calmoduline dans la transduction du signal lumineux responsable de la stimulation de la KF et des transcrits d’aquaporines chez le noyer. / Leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) takes a significant part in plant water relations. In walnut leaves, Kleaf was stimulated by light and tightly related to accumulation of JrPIP2s aquaporin transcripts. However, the light effect on Kleaf value is not systematically related to aquaporin regulation. Here we investigated the relationship between light, Kleaf and transcript levels of aquaporin in five species (Juglans regia, Fagus sylvitica, Quercus robur, Salix alba and Populus tremula) differing by the response of their Kleaf to light. Only for walnut leaves, we showed that light-increased Kleaf value is closely related to higher stimulation of both PIP1s and PIP2s aquaporins. To further investigate the involvement of aquporins (JrPIP1s and JrPIP2) in the light Kleaf modulation, 8 new full length aquaporins have been identified in walnut leaves and their expression pattern was monitored. All the aquaporin tested was turned up to be upregulated under light condition and downregulated under darkness. Moreover, we showed that the Kleaf response to light is quality-dependant, since it was reduced of 65% in the absence of blue light. Interstingly, this Kleaf reduction was correlated with a high downregulation of almost all aquaporins tested. To give an insight into the early molecular events involved in the light-induced Kleaf regulation, a large-scale transcriptomic analysis consisting of the cDNA-AFLP procedure was carried out on walnut leaves, kept at different light conditions. We obtained a total of 12,000 transcript-derived fragments (TDFs) by cDNA-AFLP with 128 primer pairs. Reliable sequences were obtained for 187 of these TDFs, and functions were attributed to 93 TDFs through BLAST searches in GenBank databases. Most of the 93 TDFs corresponded to genes encoding proteins involved in cellular regulation (58%). Leaves exposed to light showed changes in the Ca2+-signaling pathway, the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, vesicle trafficking process and the expression of multiple transcription factors and protein regulators. To progress in understanding of a potential role for calcium signalling in light-modulated Kleaf, Kleaf values and transcript accumulation of 10 JrPIPs were monitored in leaves perfused with either a blocker of calcium channels [LaCl3] or a CaM antagonist [W7]. Compared to control, these Ca2+ -effectors led to a significant reduction in Kleaf and transcripts accumulation of almost all JrPIPs under light conditions. Our results indicate that Ca2+ /calmodulin complex may transduce the light signal required for stimulation of Kleaf and its correlated aquaporin expression.

Verticillium wilt is a serious disease in a wide range of economic crops worldwide. Verticillium wilt of potato is caused, primarily, by the fungus Verticillium dahliae. Disease management requires understanding of V. dahliae pathogenesis and interactions with potato, which was the main objective of this study. A differential potato-V. dahliae pathosystem was established where pathogenicity of four V. dahliae isolates with different levels of aggressiveness was evaluated on two potato cultivars, Kennebec (susceptible) and Ranger Russet (moderately resistant). External and internal symptoms and growth measurements revealed that isolates Vd1396-9 and Vs06-14 are highly and weakly aggressive, respectively. These two isolates were selected for transcriptomics and proteomics investigations to identify pathogenicity-related factors. Transciptomics analysis was conducted in both isolates after elicitation by root extracts from either Kennebec or Ranger Russet using a combinational approach involving subtractive hybridization and cDNA-AFLP. A total of 573 differentially expressed transcripts were detected in one or the other isolate. Among them, 185 transcripts of interest were recovered, re-amplified, sequenced and searched against NCBI and the Broad Institute V. dahliae genome databases for identification. The two contrasting-aggressiveness isolates were used for a comparative proteomics investigation. The first proteomic map of V. dahliae was established. The proteomics analysis was carried out using 2-Dimentional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Twenty five proteins were differentially expressed and identified in one or the other isolate. Many of the identified genes/proteins showed potential involvement in pathogenesis of V. dahliae or other fungi. Genes of stress response regulator A (oxidative stress tolerance factor), isochorismatase hydrolase (potential plant defense suppressor) and tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase (involved in melanin and microsclerotia formation) were isolated from both isolates and cloned. Sequence analysis of these genes showed many differences that may explain their differential expression in the two isolates. Given that some of the identified genes/proteins are potentially involved in overcoming and suppressing plant defense, phenolics were profiled in Kennebec-inoculated with Vd1396-9 or Vs06-14 isolate. Chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic acids, cis-jasmone and rutin accumulation showed variations after inoculation. The results obtained from this study will help understanding the V. dahliae-potato interactions and develop efficient strategies to control Verticillium wilt disease.

Verticillium wilt is a serious disease in a wide range of economic crops worldwide. Verticillium wilt of potato is caused, primarily, by the fungus Verticillium dahliae. Disease management requires understanding of V. dahliae pathogenesis and interactions with potato, which was the main objective of this study. A differential potato-V. dahliae pathosystem was established where pathogenicity of four V. dahliae isolates with different levels of aggressiveness was evaluated on two potato cultivars, Kennebec (susceptible) and Ranger Russet (moderately resistant). External and internal symptoms and growth measurements revealed that isolates Vd1396-9 and Vs06-14 are highly and weakly aggressive, respectively. These two isolates were selected for transcriptomics and proteomics investigations to identify pathogenicity-related factors. Transciptomics analysis was conducted in both isolates after elicitation by root extracts from either Kennebec or Ranger Russet using a combinational approach involving subtractive hybridization and cDNA-AFLP. A total of 573 differentially expressed transcripts were detected in one or the other isolate. Among them, 185 transcripts of interest were recovered, re-amplified, sequenced and searched against NCBI and the Broad Institute V. dahliae genome databases for identification. The two contrasting-aggressiveness isolates were used for a comparative proteomics investigation. The first proteomic map of V. dahliae was established. The proteomics analysis was carried out using 2-Dimentional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Twenty five proteins were differentially expressed and identified in one or the other isolate. Many of the identified genes/proteins showed potential involvement in pathogenesis of V. dahliae or other fungi. Genes of stress response regulator A (oxidative stress tolerance factor), isochorismatase hydrolase (potential plant defense suppressor) and tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase (involved in melanin and microsclerotia formation) were isolated from both isolates and cloned. Sequence analysis of these genes showed many differences that may explain their differential expression in the two isolates. Given that some of the identified genes/proteins are potentially involved in overcoming and suppressing plant defense, phenolics were profiled in Kennebec-inoculated with Vd1396-9 or Vs06-14 isolate. Chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic acids, cis-jasmone and rutin accumulation showed variations after inoculation. The results obtained from this study will help understanding the V. dahliae-potato interactions and develop efficient strategies to control Verticillium wilt disease.